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Alibi for Arson
Diedre Fischer is a young Palm Beach insurance fraud lawyer on the rebound from a romance with the head of her law firm. She meets a charming former professional football player and is quickly swept off her feet. But her new suitor has ulterior motives, and she soon finds herself caught up in an arson investigation-where she is the prime suspect.
Is this really happening? Did this man really set her up? Desperate to prove her innocence, she sets off on a manhunt that leads her through opulent Palm Beach, aristocratic Greenwich, and cosmopolitan London. Will she clear her name? Or will this criminal mastermind succeed with his sinister plan?
Filled with chilling suspense, death-defying adventure, and lovable characters, Alibi for Arson is a thrilling lighthearted mystery perfect when paired with a cup of tea and a cozy blanket.
Is this really happening? Did this man really set her up? Desperate to prove her innocence, she sets off on a manhunt that leads her through opulent Palm Beach, aristocratic Greenwich, and cosmopolitan London. Will she clear her name? Or will this criminal mastermind succeed with his sinister plan?
Filled with chilling suspense, death-defying adventure, and lovable characters, Alibi for Arson is a thrilling lighthearted mystery perfect when paired with a cup of tea and a cozy blanket.
371 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2014
About the author
P.S. Moody
1 book12 followersPamela Moody is an insurance defense lawyer with more than twenty-five years of experience dealing with fraudulent claims. She is a mother of three girls, a wife, and daughter, who has resided in The Palm Beaches her entire career.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 29, 2014
The following are my thoughts on this book, and are my opinions, alone. I was provided a free copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review.
1. The backdrop of Miami was peppered with places and descriptions that helped bring some of the city to life. Description of the yacht and party in the early part of the story provides a good glimpse into the money and lifestyle of south Florida high rollers.
2. Several “old Florida” and “south Florida” establishments and areas are visited throughout the book which allows the reader to develop a sense of “being there” at times. I would love to see more of this explored and expanded on in future books.
3. Diedre, the protagonist is a smart young lawyer, capable of being successful in the high pressured world of insurance fraud and arson. At times her decisions and behaviors were more consistent with someone less savvy and perhaps a bit immature. I would have liked her better if she had made more consistently smart decisions. For example, if she is aware she has a tendency to get drunk quickly, why would she agree to drink champagne on an empty stomach with someone she is beginning to think may be a bit dangerous? Decisions like this are more consistent with a teenager or young college student than a high-powered lawyer.
4. The book could benefit overall with another pass at editing. For the most part, it is well written in terms of good use of English. However, there were numerous times throughout the book when a word or sentence was either repeated or switched in placement which required me to go back and re-read. This has the effect of taking me out of the story.
5. The book is much more an adventure/suspense type of novel than an actual mystery. *Spoiler* There is little to no doubt as to who the perpetrator is, leaving you to continue reading only to find out when he will be caught.
6. Overall, Diedre is not my favorite type of protagonist. She appears a bit too impressed with name brand shoes, suits, etc. However, I believe this may be an area that does appeal to some readers, so in and of itself may not be negative.
7. My personal preference for books leans much more toward the “puzzle” of the mystery - giving me all the clues I need to solve it while at the same time throwing in believable “red herrings” which puts me in a position of matching wits with the author. I prefer also that a book have interesting outer characters who become part of the ongoing series. To that end, I believe the family members, the fire marshal, the detective and the doorman all have potential to be explored more as this series continues. In doing that, I would love to see any of these characters begin to speak with a more unique “voice” as their personalities get explored.
1. The backdrop of Miami was peppered with places and descriptions that helped bring some of the city to life. Description of the yacht and party in the early part of the story provides a good glimpse into the money and lifestyle of south Florida high rollers.
2. Several “old Florida” and “south Florida” establishments and areas are visited throughout the book which allows the reader to develop a sense of “being there” at times. I would love to see more of this explored and expanded on in future books.
3. Diedre, the protagonist is a smart young lawyer, capable of being successful in the high pressured world of insurance fraud and arson. At times her decisions and behaviors were more consistent with someone less savvy and perhaps a bit immature. I would have liked her better if she had made more consistently smart decisions. For example, if she is aware she has a tendency to get drunk quickly, why would she agree to drink champagne on an empty stomach with someone she is beginning to think may be a bit dangerous? Decisions like this are more consistent with a teenager or young college student than a high-powered lawyer.
4. The book could benefit overall with another pass at editing. For the most part, it is well written in terms of good use of English. However, there were numerous times throughout the book when a word or sentence was either repeated or switched in placement which required me to go back and re-read. This has the effect of taking me out of the story.
5. The book is much more an adventure/suspense type of novel than an actual mystery. *Spoiler* There is little to no doubt as to who the perpetrator is, leaving you to continue reading only to find out when he will be caught.
6. Overall, Diedre is not my favorite type of protagonist. She appears a bit too impressed with name brand shoes, suits, etc. However, I believe this may be an area that does appeal to some readers, so in and of itself may not be negative.
7. My personal preference for books leans much more toward the “puzzle” of the mystery - giving me all the clues I need to solve it while at the same time throwing in believable “red herrings” which puts me in a position of matching wits with the author. I prefer also that a book have interesting outer characters who become part of the ongoing series. To that end, I believe the family members, the fire marshal, the detective and the doorman all have potential to be explored more as this series continues. In doing that, I would love to see any of these characters begin to speak with a more unique “voice” as their personalities get explored.
December 26, 2014
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Well written story with interesting likable characters. Diedre Fischer is a lawyer who handles insurance fraud cases.So how did she get herself knee deep and as a possible suspect, in a case involving an ex-professional quarterback, two fires in his houses, his ex-cheerleader girlfriend fiancee and his ex-wife. The more Diedre learns about Steve Kemper, the more she suspects him and believes he used her as his alibi for the fire plus she suspects he drugged her to boot.As Diedre tries to learn what exactly happened the more her family and friends and co-workers try to get her to walk away from this case .When she meets and interviews the girlfriend and ex-wife she finds that she really likes them and Steve us trying to set up his girlfriend as the arsonist. When Steve still emerges as the prime suspect he goes on the run Diedre and her boss/boyfriend Jonathan go to London to try and capture Steve and wind up the case. Kept me guessing to the end.
January 14, 2015
Alibi for ArsonI loved this book! Thank you for such a wonderful story that would not let me put this book down. I am usually reading 2 or 3 at one time in different rooms but I carried this one with me! The excitement, the romance, the chase, all so exciting and continuous action. Ms. Moody's writing is so pleasant to read and flows without interruption, always holding your attention and wanting to know more. Excellent!
December 3, 2014
The first book in this series cleverly weaves crime and romance into the life of young lawyer, Diedre Fischer, leaving the reader to wonder what unexpected fiasco in book two will again drag her from her comfort zone and into another case of international intrigue. Sometimes naive, sometimes street savvy, Diedre Fischer, embodies all the traits of a modern day working woman headed for professional success while tripping over everyday life.
January 23, 2015
P.S. Moody's first venture with this Diedre Fischer mystery series with Alibi for Arson is a good one. Her cast of characters from heroine Diedre Fischer to supporting ones like PI Jimmy Ryan and State Fire Marshall Timothy Meyers make it relatable and the story a believable one. I look forward to seeing what this author has to offer in her upcoming books in this series.
January 15, 2015
I just finished this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. The author did a great job weaving crime and romance into this story. The main character was very likable and I found myself rooting for her. I look forward to the next book in the Diedre Fischer Mystery series.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews